values and strategies

A deviation in strategy is not synonymous with having differences in values. In a world so marked by polarization, we’ve allowed a different narrative to win: the idea that having a shared understanding of an issue will result in the same strategy to confront the problem.

Jacob Frey, Minneapolis Mayor

In a now-not-so-recent conversation with Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey, this was his message.

The recognition of this fact in the midst of living is not always an easy task. But the recognition can be aided by the presence of trust. Trust allows us to know each other in a way that allows for an understanding of strategic deviations.

It’s no secret that America is divided. But perhaps in some respects, it’s not as divided as it seems from a viewing of say CNN and Fox News. We’ve taken different strategies for reaching the same goal as insurmountable divisions. I wonder if this need not be the case.

Mayor Frey says that trust is something to be earned. It’s earned through developing relationships, through a process of affirmation, recognizing the gratitude and well-meaning in the people we take to be our opposers. Through establishing a pattern of this practice, we can come to trust and see each other for who we are more so than who we think others are.

The issues in our world, nations, and communities are beyond the scope of an individual’s ability to solve. But this doesn’t excuse individual effort. Individuals can’t solve our problems alone, but also, without individual effort, there’s no potential for solving the problems.

It’s in this recognition of shortcomings that progresscan be found. It opens the door to the necessity of trusting. Understanding our shortcomings highlights our ineptitudes and gives us the opportunity to see someone else exercise their abilities.